With the hotly-anticipated The Gray Man set to hit Netflix on July 22nd, Hollywood's top directing duo is back in business. Known for their collaborations in the MCU, most notably with their work on The Avengers, the Russo Brothers are a box-office force to be reckoned with.
But it hasn't always been this way. Before this, they had made several movies but often found directing gigs in TV. Nowadays, their name alone brings audiences flocking to the theaters, acting as a stamp of quality. These movies and TV shows are their 10 best non-MCU projects, according to IMDb.
LAX (2004 - 2005) - 6.2
Set inside the Los Angeles International Airport, LAX is a TV drama focusing on the day-to-day workings of the airport. In particular, the show follows the runway manager, Harley Random, and the terminal manager, Roger de Souza.
The brothers joined forces on the pilot episode, then went on to direct several episodes each, individually. LAX is a fun, high-stakes show about the trials and tribulations airport staff face, such as criminals, bomb threats, and most challenging of all, relationship issues. It's an easy-viewing type of show, perfect for a night in.
Welcome To Collinwood (2002) - 6.3
Their sophomore foray into movies, Welcome To Collinwood follows a group of small-time thieves and petty criminals, who plan on carrying out a major heist. The target? A jeweler's safe, stowed away inside his apartment.
Welcome To Collinwood has all you could ever want from a heist movie. A misfit bunch of crooks? Check. Impossible odds? Check. Close calls? Check. The movie also features a star-studded cast, with Hollywood heart-throb George Clooney, Oscar-winner Sam Rockwell, and Oscar-nominee William H. Macy. It's a comedy caper classic, and fans should be certain to check it out.
Cherry (2021) - 6.6
Their most recent feature, Cherry follows its titular character as he drops out of college and becomes an army medic in Iraq. However, after returning home with severe PTSD, he must fight a new battle, one to find his place in the world.
Boasting a slick visual style and excellent lead performance, courtesy of Spider-Man star Tom Holland, Cherry gives audiences a haunting glimpse into life in the military. It's also a touching love story; Cherry often turns to his true love Emily for support, who tries desperately to help him through his pain. It's one of Tom Holland's best non-MCU movies.
Running Wilde (2010 - 2011) - 6.8
Running Wilde follows Steven Wilde (Will Arnett), who lives a life of absolute indulgence, at the expense of his rich father. This is his life until, one day, an environmentalist named Emmy, along with her daughter Puddle, come to live with him.
With such a ridiculous premise, it's little wonder the show has some wonderfully funny moments. The writing is sharp and very witty, and the characters are constantly at each other's throats in the best way possible. With a hilariously dry leading turn from Arnett, Running Wilde is sure to keep audiences laughing.
What About Brian (2006 - 2007) - 7.0
From the screenwriter of City Of Angels, What About Brian is a romantic comedy series. It follows a supportive group of friends in differing stages of relationships, be it romantic or platonic, and how they navigate contemporary life.
With a diverse ensemble cast and a message of acceptance over intolerance, What About Brian is feel-good TV. The writing is well-observed and the characters are very likable. In particular, the audiences love the interplay between the leads and the realistic storylines throughout the show's much-too-short history.
Carpoolers (2007 - 2008) - 7.5
With the Russo Brothers directing a vast majority (11) of the 13 episodes, albeit separately, Carpoolers is virtually a Russo Brothers project. The premise is very simple. The show follows a group of men who carpool to work and the differences in their lives.
Following in the vein of Seinfeld, in that it's a show about basically nothing, Carpoolers manages to pack in lots of laughs in each episode. The four leading characters are very relatable, making them likable and easy to root for. It's a perfect show to binge-watch. By the end, fans were likely wishing there was a second season.
Happy Endings (2011 - 2020) - 7.8
Set in inner-city Chicago, Happy Endings follows the lives of 6 young people, navigating the trials and tribulations of love and loss. Despite everything that happens, be it breakups or whatever else life throws their way, the friends always stick together.
Happy Endings manages to be consistently funny and emotionally resonant. The characters are tackling real issues, issues many an audience member can relate to. It's a show where there's a clear focus on character, something that many TV shows often lack, and all of the characters are likable, or at least empathetic.
Lucky (2003) - 8.1
Set in Downtown Las Vegas, Lucky is a dark-comedy series with the. The show follows a group of compulsive gamblers, all of whom struggle with their addiction, as their lives are ruled by their uncontrollable desire to risk it all for a thrill.
Despite only having one season, Lucky has a lot for sitcom regulars. The show is packed with quotable dialogue, thanks to the riotously funny scripts and engaging storylines. All of the characters are very funny, whilst also being deeply flawed. Lucky is an excellent show and certainly worth checking out.
Community (2009 - 2015) - 8.5
Spanning six seasons and continuing to win fans to this day, Community is absolutely iconic. Created by Dan Harmon, the show follows a lawyer who, following his suspension, enrolls in community college, where he finds himself amongst a diverse staff and student body.
With a cast of grade-A comedians, many of whom got their big break with Community, the show is a comedic treasure trove. The show has, over time, developed a rabid fanbase, much like the Adult Swim series, Rick And Morty, which Harmon co-created alongside Justin Roiland. With over 100 episodes to check out, it's never too late to start watching Community.
Arrested Development (2003 - 2019) - 8.7
Arrested Development centers around the calm and collected Michael Bluth, played by Jason Bateman, who takes over his family's affairs when his father is imprisoned. The rest of his family, however, seem hellbent on making his life a misery.
With a zany cast of side characters and outlandish premises, Arrested Development has kept audiences in hysterics - so much so that the show, canceled in 2006 after its third season, was revived for a fourth on Netflix in 2013 and a fifth hitting the platform in 2018. With five seasons of hilarity to catch up on, audiences should be sure to check this series out.